Last weekend was AWESOME!Ok, maybe I say that or feel that everytime I don’t have to be in Penang.
But last week really was.
It’s been ages since I went to Singapore. 1st time was when I was eleven, for a day trip. And the twice after that was usually for a Meditation gathering. We would stay over night and get back as soon as it was over.
Last Saturday, I took a flight from LCCT – Changi. Technically, this was my 1st time travelling on my own. Lets not count the multiple Penang – LCCT trips. Changi looks cool. Get out, get your bag, there’s a sitting area and then a Visitors Browsing and Information Corner. Informed Jenn (an old friend from college, now a lecturer herself in a college there) that I had arrived. She had just sent off her boyfriend and had asked me to come over to where she was.
I took a cab from Changi – Joo Seng. Of course, after hearing lots of stories from people or friends there, not at all surprised to see very disciplined drivers and very clean streets. Asides from the roads, my eyes kept looking at the Cab Meter. . . .! Every $ as it increases, in my head was X 2.48 in my head in order to convert it to RM. My stomach was in knots! of course I had no plans for shopping in Singapore. . . The whole purpose of that trip was to watch Russell Peters Live!
Jenn gave me a nice big Squeezy hug and said, “You are finally here, to see Russell Peters!” Yes I am! Had some hawker food at one of the food court. The place was nicer, brighter, and cleaner than any of the hawker joints back home. But that’s it, the food . . . . No one beats Malaysian Food! We have the best of all cuisines . . . Asian Cuisines . It’s true!
Darts @ AUPE
After dinner, we headed to this club house AUPE. It is usually Jenns hangout place (for darts and beer), with her friends, Vijay, Nirmala, and both our former lecturer, Mr. Murali Kandasamy. I was nervous about seeing this man. Why? He was my former Contract law lecturer, I admired the fact that he was once of the best lecturers I knew, he knew his stuff and knew how to teach it well. For some reason, as a student I was too nervous about talking to him face to face, and the feeling that night was the same. Jenn must have read my mind, because she told me, “G, you’re going to see a different Murali.”
We arrived at AUPE, which was along Paya Lebar Road. Greeted by Vijay, whom I was meeting only for the second time. And both times, he was high. I asked Jenn, if I would ever get to see him sober. She burst into her usuall liggle (that’s laughter and giggle – really reminds you of a kid). And she promised, “G, I promise to show you the sober Vijay before you leave.”
Mr. Murali greeted me with a nice firm handshake, and later asked, “So Gayathri, you came all the way, to see Russell Peters?” If that club house was any brighter, he would’ve been able to see me blush! Of course, Vijay and Nirmala were just as amazed, and a little envious J. I mean, they live in Singapore. And here comes a girl, travelling from Penang-KL-Singapore, just to see Russell Peters and go back!
From AUPE, we walked back to the hostel Jenn lives in at Mount Vernon. Located directly opposite the Gurkha Contingent Camp. The hostel was a nice little cozy room for 2 (just nice if you are a student sharing). But for an adult, Jenn did the wise thing by taking up the entire room for herself. We chatted till 4 am before finally dozing off.
Little IndiaThe next day, I opted for the ultimate experience (well, for me at least). Little India on a Sunday afternoon. Now this is what I call Little India. It really did feel like I was in Chennai or something. Because 90% of the Indians seen there, were actually from India. Jenn was telling me how the locals don’t really come over to Little India on a Sunday, because they are intimidated by the large number of Indians who hangout over there. But Jenn and I, we spent at least 3 years or more hanging around Petaling Street. So this was nothing for us.
We had Dhum Briyani, at Briyani Hutt. And my 1st cup of Bru Coffee there in Singapore. Briyani was good, coffee was even better. Jenn later took me to the Mustafa Center. I was in awe. I mean this is your One-Stop India in Singapore! There’s the clothing section, household section, cold storage section, and every damn thing Indian section! I was in heaven, almost. There was something I craved for. Something I could get almost anywhere if I were in India. We found the cold storage section. I finally spotted it. In a yellow can labeled, Badham Drink (which is actually Almond Milk). I found my heaven in a can. Jenn tasted it and took a pause. “G, it’s like liquid Paalkova (Indian Sweet)”. I could tell, she was also in heaven!
We later headed to Bugis Street, Singapore’s answer to our Petaling Street. Only cleaner, less stinkier, and more space to walk. Go figure lah!
Later that evening, I had a date with an old friend. Sheng Ling, or affectionately known as Aw, which is also her surname. My closest pal when I was in Nilai College. We were meeting for the 1st time in 8 years! She looks the same, almost. Just a little weight, and that really makes her look good. Aw, Jenn and I spent almost 3 hours having dinner and talking about old times. That was so awesome.
A little on-my-own timeThe next morning, being Monday and all, Jenn had to work. We had breakfast near her workplace, joined by Mr.Murali. They gave me some suggestions on what I could do to kill a few hours. After all Russell Peters Live was only at about 8 pm.
So from Middle Road, I took a slow walk to Dhoby Ghaut, and took the MRT to City Hall. That’s where the Sun Tec Mall is and the show was also to be held over there. Personally I prefer actual shopping to window shopping. I consoled myself by saying “Nothing we can’t get in Malaysia”.
I finally got to the Hop-On Tours Counter. Decided to check out some brochures and then walk out to the waiting area. This company running the tour was called Duck Tours. They had this tour boat with wheels, so it goes on both land and in water. With a big yellow duckie in front. Talk about seeking attention! I was not prepared to get my clothes wet. So I opted for the 1 hour bus tour. It cost me S$13, and here’s the catch – No Hopping Off. Hop On and Off was only allowed if you took the full day tour which would cost you S$24.
RUSSELL PETERS Live!The highlight of the week, month, quarter, year! Ok. . maybe not year, then again, maybe year.There’s just too much to write about this and I might never end up publishing this blog.
But let me try. . .
The Rock Auditorium, that's where the show was held.
How did I spot the place? How can you miss a bunch of brown brothers and sisters? I had to wait for Deepak, Jasmin and his cousin. . Meanwhile, I felt like a school girl going for some boy band concert. hehe.. Deepak, I managed to put on that Control Macho Face didn't I ;)
Anyways, When Russell Peters comes up on stage . . .Wooo Hoooo!
I mean, its one thing watching him on your laptop once you've copied his show from some "downloading bastards"
as Russell himself would say. But really another to be there and see him in Flesh, and hear everything real time.
But let me just put it this way, I couldn’t get enough of him. So went back to Jenn’s room that night and watched the DVD I bought for S$35 J. . .That’s what I call SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!
